Automatic closing louver

ABSTRACT

A compact louver assembly including fixed blades inclined in the direction of air movement and movable blades pivotally supported at their opposite ends intermediate the fixed blades. The movable blades are swung from a normal, closed position either by the movement of air against the blades or by other applied actuating forces. The movable blades are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement, and each pivots about an axis intermediate its central longitudinal axis and one edge of the blade. The members interconnecting the movable blades may be biased to maintain the louver closed until the movable blades are swung open by the movement of air against them. When closed, the movable parts of the assembly extend no farther forward or rearward than would the parts of a normal fixed louver assembly.

United States Patent [21 Appl. No. [22] Filed [45 Patented [73] Assignee [54] AUTOMATIC CLOSING LOUVER 11 Claims, 7 Drawing lh'gs.

[52] U.S. Cl 98/110, 98/119,49/77, 160/92 [51] Int. Cl F24f 13/06 [50] Field ofSearch 98/119, 110,121,49/40 UM, 77, 78, 91, 98; 160/92, 97; 126/292, 285, 289, 290, 296

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,216,420 10/1940 Rose 98/121 R Primary Examiner-Meyer Perlin Assistant Examiner-W. C. Anderson Attorney-Brumbaugh, Graves, Donohue & Raymond ABSTRACT: A compact louver assembly including fixed blades inclined in the direction of air movement and movable blades pivotally supported at their opposite ends intermediate the fixed blades. The movable blades are swung from a normal, closed position either by the movement of air against the blades or by other applied actuating forces. The movable blades are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement, and each pivots about an axis intermediate its central longitudinal axis and one edge of the blade. The members interconnecting the movable blades may be biased to maintain the louver closed until the movable blades are swung open by the movement of air against them. When closed, the movable parts of the assembly extend no farther forward or rearward than would the parts of a normal fixed louver assembly.

PATENIEUJAN 41912 3.631.790

SHEET 1 BF 2 IIHH INVENTORS /f ROBERT w. OLSEN,

DAVID F? RODGERS a Y GEORGE A. VIEHMANN aMZA QwL/QW fheir A TTORNEYS AUTOMATIC CLOSING LOUVER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to louver assemblies and more particularly to assemblies including both fixed and movable louver blades cooperable for opening and closing of the louver assembly.

For ventilation purposes, combined louver assemblies are often desired having inclined fixed blades preventing the passage or rain or snow into a building and having movable blades for opening and closing the assembly. Commonly, a standard nonadjustable assembly has been coupled with a further assembly employing movable blades to provide the desired combination. However, the coupling of two such assemblies results in an undesirably bulky device, often of a depth substantially greater than the thickness of the associated wall. Additionally, the louver assembly having the movable blades commonly is of a less attractive appearance than the conventional fixed assembly and is fully visible from the interior of the ventilated building.

Although attempts have been made to combine the advantages of fixed and adjustable assemblies into a single ventilator, the foregoing disadvantages have not entirely been overcome. For example, one such combined assembly employs movable blades pivotally supported upon the fixed blades to provide a relatively compact combined assembly. However, the members interconnecting the movable blades for simultaneous movement are connected centrally to the movable blades and extend well outside the bounds of the fixed and movable blades, thus detracting from the compactness desired. The location of the connecting members centrally in the path of airflow results in a relatively unsightly combination of parts, fully visible, and subject to the normal accumulation of dust, dirt, and the like, often attendant the use of ventilating provisions. Additionally, when the movable blades are supported at their longitudinal edges on or closely adjacent the fixed blades, restricted areas are defined where the fixed and movable blades are closest, making difiicult the cleaning of the entire assembly without dismantling of a substantial number of parts.

Other combined assemblies known in the art have employed movable blades which, when pivoted, extend well out from between the adjacent fixed blades. These assemblies, then, are less compact, requiring additional space for the extension of the movable blades, and are less attractive, the movable blades being more or less visible depending upon their positions.

Further, many previously known ventilator assemblies have lacked either a self-closing feature or movable blade arrangements suitable for opening by either air movement or further drive components. Finally, the majority of elements in numerous previous arrangements have not been interchangeably employable, for both intake and exhaust purposes, without substantial modification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a relatively compact combined louver assembly avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combined louver assembly having both fixed and movable blades, yet being of essentially the same depth as an assembly having only fixed blades.

A further object of this invention is to provide an automatic closing louver assembly which may be opened by air movement or by the application of an operating force applied to movable blade connecting provisions.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a compact, combined louver assembly having both fixed and movable blades and being of improved compactness and attractiveness.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of louver assemblies having a substantial number of parts interchangeably employable in both exhaust and intake embodiments.

These and other objects of the invention as mayhereinafter appear are achieved through the provision of a louver assembly having fixed blades and pivotable blades supported intermediate the fixed blades for cooperation in closing the fluid passages defined between adjacent fixed blades. The movable blades and their connecting provisions are, at all times, located almost entirely between the forward and rearward faces of the assembly. The movable blades are supported for pivotal movement about an axis which is removed from the central longitudinal axis of these blades and is located intermediate two adjacent fixed blades. The members connecting the movable blades are housed conveniently at one side within a channel defined by a frame member or jamb. Pivotable mounting members, supporting the movable blades at their ends, extend through the jamb and are connected, within the channel, to the connecting members.

With the above objects in mind, the invention will more clearly be understood with reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the several views of the associated drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing movable louver blades in cooperation with inclined fixed blades which, in combination, form an intake louver assembly in accordance with this inven- I tion.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1, and illustrates the connection of a movable blade with a pivotal member cooperating with movable blades interconnecting provisions.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the cooperation of the movable blade and pivotal blade-supporting member.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the assembly of FIGS. 1 through 3, having parts broken away to more clearly illustrate the movable blades interconnecting provisions.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotal supporting member.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seal supportable upon a fixed blade for engagement with the movable blade in its normal, closed position.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating an exhaust louver assembly constructed in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings in detail, there is shown in FIG. 1 a novel intake louver assembly 10, having inclined fixed blades I1, and pivotally supported movable blades 12. The fixed blades 11 include a central inclined section 13, terminating in vertically extending edge flanges 14 and I5, respectively, at the forward and rearward faces of the louver assembly 10.

The flanges l4 and 15 contact a pair of flanges l6 and 17 of a supporting member or jamb at each end of the louver assembly 10. The fixed blade flanges l4 and 15 may be secured to the jamb 18 for support of the fixed blades 11, or a pair of integrally extruded channel defining bosses 20 and 21 may be employed for supporting the fixed blades 11 at their ends.

Each movable blade 12 is supported at each end by a pivotal support member or pinion 22 which, in turn, is supported upon a central portion 23 of the jamb 18 by a bushing 24 extending through the central portion 23 proximate the ends of the movable blades. Integrally extruded bosses 25 and 26 on the movable blades 12 define opposing channels which receive a pair of ribs 27 and 28 on the pinion 22.

The pinion 22 and the bosses 25 and 26 may be similar to those described in the US. Pat. No. 2,822,587 of Edward C. Hallock, the enlarged ribs 27 and 28 being slightly tapered for press fitting into the channels defined by the movable blade bosses 25 and 26. As best shown in FIG. 5, the pinion includes a central body portion 30, from which extends a pivot shaft 31 having a cylindrical bearing surface 32 adjacent a noncircular key portion 33, and terminating in a threaded portion 34.

The axis about which the movable blade 12 pivots is the central axis 35 of the pinion 22 which, as best seen in FIG. I, is located between adjacent fixed blades and well inward from the forward and rearward terminal planes of the fixed blades. With respect to the movable blade, the axis 35 lies intermediate the central longitudinal axis of the blade and the blade edge at which the boss 26 is located. Thus, absent the application of any external force to the movable blade 12, the blade assumes the closed, full-line position shown in FIG. 1.

An inwardly extending projection 36, formed along the length of the fixed blade flange 15, supports an elongate seal 37 of vinyl or other suitable material. The seal 37 engages the movable blade 12 at a blade edge 38 when the movable blade is in its closed position. The seal 37 provides a stop for the movable blade and assures quiet closing.

The seal 37 shown best in FIG. 6, includes a central, longitudinally extending channel 40, having an internal shoulder 41. A longitudinally extending head 42, which is defined by the projection 36 supporting the seal, engages the internal shoulder 41 of the seal to maintain the seal in place. The seal 37, then, may be forced into place upon the projection 36 of the flange l and is securely held thereon.

A vertically extending actuating bar 43, and a number of links 44 interconnect the movable blades 12 for simultaneous pivotal movement of the blades 12 in both the opening and closing direction. The bar 43, and the links 44 are located within a channel 45 defined by the vertically extending jamb 18 at one side of the overall assembly 10. The links 44 are pivotally connected with the bar 43 at pivot points spaced along the length of the bar, and the keyed portions 33 of the pinion shafts 31 extend, in keyed relation, through the links 44. A nut 47 is applied to the threaded shaft portion 34 prevents movement of the link 44 out of engagement with the keyed shaft portion 33.

Upon opening of the movable blades 12, the bar 43 and links 44 are moved to a position such as that shown, for example, in phantom outline in FIG. 4. The actuating bar 43 may be controlled by drive provisions (not shown) including, for example, a pneumatic motor to control the opening and closing of the overall louver assembly 10, or absent the provision of such additional operating means, the movable blades 12 will assume their normal, closed position until the force applied, by air movement, to the exterior face of the movable blades is sufficient to cause pivoting of the blades toward the phantom outline position shown in FIG. 1. The force necessary to cause pivoting of the blades 12 may be determined by biasing of the vertically extending bar 43 as, for example, by applying a predetermined weight 46 to the bar 43, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

An exhaust louver arrangement 50 is shown in FIG. 7 in which many of the parts (e.g., the fixed blades 1 l and the jamb 18) are substantially unchanged relative to corresponding parts of the intake arrangement of FIGS. 1 through 4 and bear like reference numerals. A movable blade 51, of somewhat greater width than the blade 12 of FIGS. 1 through 4, is supported for pivotal movement about an axis 52 and includes integrally formed bosses 53 and 54, into which extend the pinion ribs 27 and 28, respectively. The bushing 24 supports the pinion 22 at a point closer the flange 17 of the jamb 18 than the point at which the pinion 22 is supported in the intake embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4. Thus, an edge 55 of the movable blade 51 is engageable with the seal 37 in a normal closed position. However, the blade edge 55 is movable outwardly away from the seal 37 to open the assembly 50 in response to a force applied by air movement against the interior surface of the movable blade 51.

The vertically extending actuating bar 43 and the plurality of links 44, connecting the movable blades, are again disposed in the cavity within the jamb 18. The weight 46, or other suitable biasing provisions, may be applied to the bar 43 to determine the force necessary to open the louver assembly. The

combined assembly 50 may be employed for automatic opening in response to air movement in the exhaust direction without any further driving provisions, or the actuating bar 43 may be positively driven to control opening and closing.

It is noteworthy that both the intake embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4, and the exhaust embodiment of FIG. 7 may employ identical fixed blades 11, seals 37, pinions 22, actuating bars 43, and links 44 without modification. The jambs 18 of both embodiments may be of identical manufacture; they are then adapted particularly for either the intake or the exhaust embodiment only by the changes in location of the openings through which extend the pinion shafts 31. Such identity of parts results in significantly decreased production costs, since the manufacturer need not produce an entirely different set of component parts for the exhaust and intake arrangements.

In both embodiments, the movable blades 12 and 51 are, regardless of their pivotal disposition, located substantially entirely between the fixed blades 11 and, when closed, are located well inwardly between the fixed blades. The movable blade connecting provisions, including the actuating bar 43 and the links 44, do not increase the depth of the louver arrangements l0 and 50, and the bar 43 and links 44 are conveniently removed from the area of air passage. They there fore do not collect dust and dirt passed through the louver assembly; nor do they make difficult the cleaning of the overall louver arrangement. Since the movable blades 12 and 51 are mounted for pivotal movement about the axes 35 and 52, located intermediate the fixed blades 11, both edges of the movable blades swing away from the nearest fixed blades when opened. Thus, all surfaces of the fixed and movable blades are easily reached for cleaning without disassembly, as opposed to arrangements wherein the movable blades are supported upon fixed blades to form restricted areas which are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of dirt and which are difficult to reach for thorough cleaning.

Also, both arrangements present a relatively attractive appearance, differing little from the appearance of a nonadjustable louver assembly. In each case the inclined fixed blades substantially conceal the movable blades when viewed externally and normal to the forward plane at which the inclined fixed blades terminate.

While preferred embodiments of both intake and exhaust louvers have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention embodied in the described, preferred arrangements.

We claim:

1. A variable opening louver assembly including spaced fixed blades defining a fluid passage therebetween and extending, inclined, between forward and rearward terminal planes of the louver assembly, at least one movable blade for closing the passage between the fixed blades and substantially concealed by an adjacent fixed blade when the assembly is viewed through and normal to one of said forward and rearward planes, and means supporting the movable blade for pivotal movement between open and closed positions about a pivotal axis between one edge of the movable blade and a central longitudinal axis thereof, the pivotal axis being intermediate the fixed blades and spaced inwardly from said forward and rearward planes, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades when in said closed position.

2. The louver assembly according to claim 1, including a further movable blade, means interconnecting the movable blades, and means for biasing the interconnecting means to maintain the movable blades in a predetermined position absent the application of aforce to overcome said biasing.

3. The louver assembly according to claim 1, wherein the movable blade is normally disposed in the closed position ex tending substantially fully between adjacent fixed blades, and the movable blade is responsive to fluid movement against one side thereof to move away from the closed position to allow fluid passage in one direction.

4. A variable opening louver assembly including spaced fixed blades defining a fluid passage therebetween and extending between forward and rearward planes, at least one movable blade for closing the passage between the fixed blades, and means supporting the movable blade for pivotal movement between open and closed positions about an axis intermediate the fixed blades and spaced inwardly from said forward and rearward planes, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades when in said closed position, at least one of the fixed blades including a projection extending longitudinally along the blade and including an enlarged shoulder defining portion, an elongate channeled seal supported along the projection and having an enlarged central channel portion for receiving the enlarged shoulder defining portion of the projection, the movable blade contacting the seal when in the closed position.

5. A louver assembly including fixed blades extending between forward and rearward faces of the assembly, at least one movable blade supported between adjacent fixed blades for opening and closing the space between the fixed blades, means mounting the movable blades for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades in the closed position thereof, at least one of the fixed blades including a flange near one of the forward and rearward faces for cooperation near said one of the faces with the movable blade in the closed position and for blocking swinging movement of the movable blade therepast to prevent fluid flow in one direction, said mounting means supporting the movable blade at its ends for pivotal movement about an axis located between the edge of the movable blade and the central longitudinal axis thereof, whereby upon pivoting of the blade from the normal closed position, opposite edges of the movable blade swing away from each nearest fixed blade.

6. The louver assembly according to claim 5. wherein the movable blade normally is disposed in the closed position with one edge closely adjacent the flange.

7. The louver assembly according to claim 6 for use as an intake louver, wherein the flange includes a projection thereon closely proximate the one edge when the movable blade is in the closed position, the one edge of the movable blade being located above the projection and swingable upwardly away from the projection when the movable blade moves into an open position.

8. The louver assembly according to claim 6 for use as an exhaust louver, wherein the flange includes a projection thereon closely proximate the one edge when the movable blade is in the closed position, the one edge of the movable blade being located between the projection and the face remote from the projection and swingable substantially horizontally away from the projection when the movable blade moves into an open position.

9. The louver assembly according to claim 6, wherein the remaining adjacent fixed blade includes a central projecting portion thereon, and the movable blade extends substantially fully between the flange at said one edge thereof and the projecting portion at an opposite edge when in the closed position.

10, The louver assembly according to claim 6, including a seal supported on the flange for engaging the movable blade in the normal, closed position.

11. The louver assembly according to claim 10, wherein said flange is closely proximate the interior face of the louver assembly and said seal is supported upon an inwardly directed projection on the flange. 

1. A variable opening louver assembly including spaced fixed blades defining a fluid passage therebetween and extending, inclined, between forward and rearward terminal planes of the louver assembly, at least one movable blade for closing the passage between the fixed blades and substantially concealed by an adjacent fixed blade when the assembly is viewed through and normal to one of said forward and rearward planes, and means supporting the movable blade for pivotal movement between open and closed positions about a pivotal axis between one edge of the movable blade and a central longitudinal axis thereof, the pivotal axis being intermediate the fixed blades and spaced inwardly from said forward and rearward planes, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades when in said closed position.
 2. The louver assembly according to claim 1, including a further movable blade, means interconnecting the movable blades, and means for biasing the interconnecting means to maintain the movable blades in a predetermined position absent the application of a force to overcome said biasing.
 3. The louver assembly according to claim 1, wherein the movable blade is normally disposed in the closed position extending substantially fully between adjacent fixed blades, and the movable blade is responsive to fluid movement against one side thereof to move away from the closed position to allow fluid passage in one direction.
 4. A variable opening louver assembly including spaced fixed blades defining a fluid passage therebetween and extending between forward and rearward planes, at least one movable blade for closing the passage between the fixed blades, and means supporting the movable blade for pivotal movement between open and closed positions about an axis intermediate the fixed blades and spaced inwardly from said forward and rearward planes, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades when in said closed position, at least one of the fixed blades including a projection extending longitudinally along the blade and including an enlarged shoulder defining portion, an elongate channeled seal supported along the projection and having an enlarged central channel portion for receiving the enlarged shoulder defining portion of the projection, the movable blade contacting the seal when in the closed position.
 5. A louver assembly including fixed blades extending between forward and rearward faces of the assembly, at least one movable blade supported between adjacent fixed blades for opening and closing the space between the fixed blades, means mounting the movable blades for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, the movable blade being located entirely between the fixed blades in the closed position thereof, at least one of the fixed blades including a flange near one of the forward and rearward faces for cooperation near said one of the faces with the movable blade in the closed position and for blocking swinging movement of the movable blade therepast to prevent fluid flow in one direction, said mounting means supporting the movable blade at its ends for pivotal movement about an axis located between the edge of the movable blade and the central longitudinal axis thereof, whereby upon pivoting of the blade from the normal closed position, opposite edges of the movable blade swing away from each nearest fixed blade.
 6. The louver assembly according to claim 5, wherein the movable blade normally is disposed in the closed position with one edge cLosely adjacent the flange.
 7. The louver assembly according to claim 6 for use as an intake louver, wherein the flange includes a projection thereon closely proximate the one edge when the movable blade is in the closed position, the one edge of the movable blade being located above the projection and swingable upwardly away from the projection when the movable blade moves into an open position.
 8. The louver assembly according to claim 6 for use as an exhaust louver, wherein the flange includes a projection thereon closely proximate the one edge when the movable blade is in the closed position, the one edge of the movable blade being located between the projection and the face remote from the projection and swingable substantially horizontally away from the projection when the movable blade moves into an open position.
 9. The louver assembly according to claim 6, wherein the remaining adjacent fixed blade includes a central projecting portion thereon, and the movable blade extends substantially fully between the flange at said one edge thereof and the projecting portion at an opposite edge when in the closed position.
 10. The louver assembly according to claim 6, including a seal supported on the flange for engaging the movable blade in the normal, closed position.
 11. The louver assembly according to claim 10, wherein said flange is closely proximate the interior face of the louver assembly and said seal is supported upon an inwardly directed projection on the flange. 